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The Ordinary Regimen for Aging

Maddie Felton (she/her)
by Maddie Felton (she/her)
Updated:
10 Mar 2026
I've been in the beauty industry for 4+ years now, although my background is originally in fine arts. In between researching and publishing our guides, I’m usually snacking and making spontaneous (and somewhat chaotic) choices about what to do with my hair.
Low on time? Check out our key takeaways below

Key Takeaways

  • The Ordinary's approach transforms skincare by using stripped-back ingredients that effectively target skin concerns without breaking the bank.
  • Understanding anti-ageing is crucial, and The Ordinary offers a tailored regimen that addresses wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation issues.
  • Retinol is essential for an anti-ageing routine, promoting skin cell renewal and collagen production, but should be introduced gradually to avoid irritation.
  • Cleansing is key in both morning and night routines, with The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser providing a gentle and effective option that hydrates while cleaning.
  • Antioxidants matter, and incorporating The Ordinary Resveratrol & Ferulic Acid can significantly enhance skin resilience against ageing factors.
  • Hyaluronic Acid's benefits make it a must-have in any skincare routine, helping to hydrate and plump ageing skin effectively.
  • Never skip sunscreen, as it is vital in preventing further skin damage and maintaining the results of your anti-ageing efforts.
  • Starting early is beneficial, as a proactive anti-ageing skincare routine can help maintain youthful skin longer.
  • Consistency is crucial, and sticking to a regular skincare routine with The Ordinary products is key to achieving the best results over time.

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Known for being anything but ordinary, The Ordinary has transformed the way we look at skincare, with stripped-back ingredients designed to better your skin and target imperfections, minus the fluff, frills, and damage to your bank balance.
And The Ordinary products look good too: these little bottles of wonder are mind-blowingly affordable, and setting them on your bathroom shelf makes you look pulled-together and super-organised, because good skincare is the first step to a good life, right?
With AHAs, Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, and more, these super treatments take care of your skin and address your every skin concern.

What are the Best The Ordinary Products for Aging Skin?

Ageing skin is something we all think about. Change can be hard to overcome, especially when you look in the mirror and notice things that haven’t previously been there.
Wrinkles? Fine lines? Pigmentation? We get it. We’ve been there.
The Ordinary has a considered skin care routine for mature skin that gets to the root of your issues without demanding your entire paycheck.
Amazing! And yep, the scientific names can be confusing. To help, we’ve put together an efficacious The Ordinary anti-ageing routine to help you target your skin woes.
If it’s an anti-ageing beauty routine you’re after, The Ordinary is a great place to start. Perfect for those who want to customise their anti-ageing skincare routine, The Ordinary routine for ageing skin allows you to mix up your approach as often as your ever-changing skin requires. Honestly, it’s never too early to start an affordable anti-ageing skincare routine! And with this ageing focused The Ordinary regimen guide, it's never been easier.
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‘The Ordinary’ refers to ingredients, rather than results, which makes it hard to know what products to pick. Retinol is the anti-ageing, anti-acne exfoliant that helps clear up 
skin and reduce unwanted wrinkles. An important part of The Ordinary mature skin regime is The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% - 30ml, which combines two next-generation Retinoid actives to help pigmentation, acne, and fine lines.
You could also try The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, which works to smooth fine lines and tackle general signs of ageing. This water-free, vegan, cruelty-free solution contains 0.2% Retinol.
The most powerful way to master a mature skin care routine is to follow The Ordinary ageing regime that we’ve pulled together for you below.
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Confused about where to start with your The Ordinary anti-ageing bundle? Don’t worry. We’ve got you …

The Ordinary Anti-Aging Morning Routine:

Step 1: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
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Step 1: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Your morning cleanser should help you wake up. It should also breathe some life back into your skin and wash away impurities after a night’s sleep. is inspired by the efficacy of oil cleansers. Oil cleansers are known for attracting impurities and washing them away with ease. If you’ve ever suffered a negative reaction to your cleanser (dry skin, oily patches—that kind of thing), The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser blends skin-similar Esters and Squalane for an effective but gentle everyday cleanse.
  • One of the best The Ordinary products for mature skin, The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 50ml hydrates skin and helps reduce inflammation. Effectively removing traces of makeup and stubborn build-up, this cleanser softens skin to leave your face feeling comfortable and never tight or dry. If you’ve always wanted to try an oil cleanser but can’t deal with an oily texture, this could be a great option for you. It won’t irritate the skin, and the Squalane’s softening effect helps increase the skin’s elasticity.
Step 2: The Ordinary Resveratrol & Ferulic Acid
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Step 2: The Ordinary Resveratrol & Ferulic Acid
The Ordinary range for mature skin should include the powerful, antioxidant-laden . This oil-free, water-free, alcohol-free, cruelty-free, and vegan formula contains two of the most effective and important antioxidants in skincare: Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid. This combination of antioxidants positively affects skin by building up its resilience. Resveratrol, a natural phenol found in several plants, is an ingredient your skin will love to lap up. The Ordinary’s Resveratrol is 100% derived from Japanese Knotweed.
  • Ferulic Acid is found in the walls of plant cells. It’s a natural, high-potency phytochemical antioxidant that works perfectly when blended for the skin. This formula contains 3% of both Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid, which is incredibly high when compared to the 0.5% to 1% found in average skincare ranges. To use The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% and reap the benefits, apply after cleansing and using water-based solutions, and before any oils or creams.
Step 3: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
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Step 3: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
If you haven’t jumped on the Hyaluronic Acid train yet, now’s the time to hop on board! Dry, dehydrated skin shows signs of ageing faster. Every woman, man, and cat (well ...) loves the kind, hydrating benefits of Hyaluronic Acid. comes at a price point that won’t give you the guilts. Did you know HA attracts up to 1,000 times its weight in water? If you’re wondering what are the best The Ordinary products for ageing skin, add this product to your cart. This post-cleanse formula boosts the skin’s hydration with easy absorption, and because of its lightweight texture, it’s suitable for all skin types.
  • Made to plump and nourish tired, ageing skin, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - 30ml is enriched with additional Vitamin B5 to support the Hyaluronic Acid and boost hydration further. While this formula hasn’t been specifically designed to help treat acne, it will help soothe the skin during or after an irritating breakout. It’s also excellent at helping repair the skin after a rosacea flare-up. As the skin becomes older and drier, this handy little acid will rehydrate skin and help minimise the appearance of fine lines. Use morning and night before you apply moisturiser or oil to really see the benefits.
Step 4: Always Apply Sunscreen
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Step 4: Always Apply Sunscreen
After you’ve preened and pampered your skin with nourishing products from The Ordinary range, it would be silly to undo all your good work by not applying a decent SPF. To complement The Ordinary regimen for acne and ageing skin, an affordable but effective SPF like will help keep your skin protected. Fragrance- and perfume-free, this melt-in cream doesn’t leave a white cast and contains soothing Thermal Spring Water. Skin is left soft, comfortable, and protected all day long. Uvidea XL will also help ease any dryness.
  • One of the major causes of ageing skin (aside from just getting older!) is the sun. Researchers have found that using sunscreen regularly will help prevent deep wrinkles, sun spots, and loss of elasticity.

The Ordinary Anti-Aging Night-Time Routine:

Step 1: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
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Step 1: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
The same as your first step in the morning, will gently remove any impurities that you’ve picked up during the day. As tempting as it is to accidentally on purpose forget about washing your face and removing your makeup, skipping the wash is a big no-no if you want to rival wrinkled skin. Cleanse away your day and get your good-skin night-time routine off to a good start.
Step 2: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2%
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Step 2: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2%
Previously known as Advanced Retinoid 2%, is one of the most popular anti-ageing Retinoid products in The Ordinary range. This moderate-strength emulsion is a lightweight formula that doesn’t irritate skin. The Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) takes a soft approach and helps accelerate the skin’s turnover and reduce any signs of ageing. The creamy solution smooths comfortably over the skin and can treat pigmentation, acne, and fine lines.
  • Less harsh on the skin than traditional forms of Retinoids, The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% - 30ml combines two Retinoids to diminish the signs of ageing while being kind to skin. Start using this product once a week so your skin gets used to it, and build up your use over time. Use in the evening before you apply your oils or moisturisers.
Step 3: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
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Step 3: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Because your skin loves the hydrating benefits of Hyaluronic Acid so much, we recommend using it as the third step in your night-time routine. Because it’s suitable for all skin types, HA is essential for every bathroom cabinet. The multiple molecular weights of the Hyaluronic Acid in this product work to give even the driest skin multi-depth hydration. Apply as part of your morning and night-time routine to feel the skin-plumping benefits.
Step 4: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
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Step 4: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
A comprehensive collection of powerful technologies targets multiple signs of ageing at once. It is a lightweight and easily absorbed water-based serum that helps to rehydrate dry and dehydrated complexions. Previously known as The Ordinary Buffet, this serum is a powerful cocktail of Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, and Amino Acids. The combination of 6 Peptide Complexes helps diminish fine lines and dynamic facial folds, whilst the Hyaluronic Acid plumps and hydrates the skin for a firmer look and feel. A blend of Amino Acids helps to stimulate collagen production for a hydrated and younger-looking complexion.
  • Vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty free, The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum - 30ml (formerly known as 'Buffet')has been blended with ageing skin in mind, making it the perfect addition to your The Ordinary ageing skin night-time routine. It’s one of the best The Ordinary products for ageing skin available! Apply to dry, clean skin after your other water-based products. Always use before you add any oils or creams to your skin.
Step 5: The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
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Step 5: The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Rich in Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, and Pro-Vitamin A, is fast becoming a cult classic in the skincare world. Super-affordable and super-nourishing, the oil acts as a natural saviour for the skin. It helps nourish dry and dehydrated skin and helps strengthen and repair photo-aged skin. Cold-pressed to ensure potency, the pure, organic oil doesn’t degrade, so you always see the benefits. Omega Fatty Acids and Pro-Vitamin A help regenerate skin cells for a youthful appearance.
  • To let this hydrating, nourishing oil sink into your skin, use it as your last step in your anti-ageing routine The Ordinary. Apply The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil 30mL after you’ve used all your water-based solutions. Then let the softening ingredients get to work while you snooze. Vitamin A is a great treatment for acne-prone skin, but apply this oily formula with caution if you’re prone to overnight breakouts. However, the skin-smoothing formula is perfect for those with any lingering acne-scarring.

When Should You Start Using Retinol?

It’s generally agreed that the earlier you start tending to any signs of ageing, the better off you’ll be. Retinol is a huge part of that process. A derivative of Vitamin A, Retinol is a revolutionary youth-enhancing master that skincare experts love to recommend.
While it should be applied with caution to sensitive skin, Retinol in your routine will promote skin cell renewal, reduce acne, and help boost collagen production. Impressive! Start by using a low percentage (0.1% to 0.2%) as part of your routine to let the skin get used to the effects. When you first start using Retinol, you might experience redness, so use it only once a week at first. If your skin continues to feel irritated, stop use. But over time, most people experience skin-smoothing, glowing effects.
Apply Retinol only at night, and always use sunscreen in the morning. And keep in mind that Retinol isn’t just for the face! You can also use it over your neck and chest, where the sun hits and causes noticeable damage.

Retinol Benefits for Skin - Tips from a Beauty Editor

When Should I Start My Anti-Aging Routine?

The Ordinary anti ageing routine is something that can be started at any age! While it might seem presumptive to begin a solid anti-aging skincare routine in your early 20s, it’s clear that prevention is better than cure. Always apply sunscreen, and invest in an affordable anti ageing skincare routine to keep yourself looking fresh.
If you’re in your 30s or 40s but haven’t started an anti-ageing skincare routine yet, don’t panic! Begin slowly and introduce some good habits into your everyday routine to get skin where you want it to be.

Jo explains the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and what it can do for your skin:

Which The Ordinary Product is Best for Wrinkles & Mature Skin?

The best skin care routine for mature skin is one that you stick to over time. A regular, simple anti-ageing habit will help perk up tired skin. It's clear that The Ordinary regimen for mature skin is key to a good skin day.Why Should I Use The Ordinary?
Affordable, effective, and pretty good to look at, each The Ordinary bottle contains the magic you need to feel good about your skin. With daily aggressors, pollutants, lack of sleep, and sunshine all affecting how your skin looks on the daily, it’s good to start an affordable routine that you can keep up with.
With so many The Ordinary products available for you to try and play with, curating a skincare routine that’s made especially for you is easy. And if mature skin is your main gripe, the above routine is a great place to start.

Our Ultimate Guide to The Ordinary

Want to learn more about The Ordinary? Well we have an ultimate guide on just about everything!

Maddie Felton (she/her)

Adore Beauty Acknowledges the Woiwurrung language group of the Eastern Kulin Nations as the Traditional Owners of the land our Customer Fulfillment Center and Head Office conduct our business operations on. We would like to extend that Acknowledgement and Respect to all First Nations People and Elders across Australia as our parcels travel across their land, air and water. We recognise First Nations Peoples continuous relationship and connection to Country and at Adore Beauty we commit to treading lightly on the land our parcels travel. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.

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